JAMMU, Aug 24: As many as 142 terrorists have been eliminated in anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir this year, the Director General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), RR Bhatnagar, said on Friday. There are approximately 200-250 terrorists still operating in Kashmir Valley, he told reporters here. The DG asserted that the law and order situation is "better" in Kashmir compared to 2016-17 and the number of injured personnel has decreased. As part of efforts to discourage youths from joining terrorists, he said a helpline called Madadgar was started by the force which received 2.5 lakh calls during last one year .He sad the terrorists were targeting unarmed security personnel and their families as they were frustrated. "Our force is better protected and there is a better security situation on the law and order front (in Kashmir). In days to come, forces will perform even better." Bhatnagar said, "In this year alone till now, 142 terrorists have been neutralized and last year also there were good results."Asked about the security situation, the DG said terrorism and law and order issues, which include stone pelting, shutdowns and strikes, are the "two big challenges" in Kashmir and they have been dealing with them sternly."We are dealing with these challenges effectively .We have very good coordination with our sister security agencies and security forces are successful in dealing with the situation as per their objectives", Bhatnagar said.Replying to another question on unarmed police personnel being targeted by terrorists in the Kashmir Valley, he said that this is due to the frustration of terrorists. "They are engaged in such cowardice, by targeting (unarmed) police forces in their homes and also the CRPF, to create an environment of fear and terror", he added. He said that with every sacrifice, the forces become more determined to stamp out terrorism and "our force will strongly deal with them". Asked about terrorists increasingly recruiting youths from the Kashmir valley, the DG said the ratio of foreign and local terrorists keeps changing. "Security forces have an upper hand as no major suicide attack has been successful. "There is an effect of security operations on the ground and recruitments (of youth in Kashmir by terrorists) are taking place and we are dealing with it effectively," he said.Replying to another question on terrorists believed to be active in the Valley, he said "different agencies have different figures. But approximately 200-250 is the figure (of terrorists operating in Kashmir Valley)". Asked about CRPF casualties due to stone pelting attacks in Kashmir Valley, he said that from 2016-17 the injuries have decreased because of body protectors."Our safety gear has improved. Less lethal weapons are being used. Several things including tear and smoke shells, plastic bullets, pellet guns and a spectrum of less lethal weapons are now in use to ensure that collateral damage does not take place," he said.He said that suicide attacks by terrorists on camps of the paramilitary force, whether it was in Srinagar or in North Kashmir, have been well defended and foiled."At one camp, they were able to come inside but it was an under-construction camp and there also we have neutralized them," he said. "Many steps are being taken for the security of camps including use of technology and surveillance equipments.Asked about the security for panchayat polls, he said the notification has not come as yet for panchayat polls. "Security establishment will make a good arrangements for the poll security," he said.